Is Your Auto Ready for Winter?

October 20, 2017 by

While protecting your home is a priority for New Yorkers, some still need an automobile to get around the city that never sleeps and others own one for weekend adventures.  It’s important to prepare your auto for the harsh conditions it may face when winter arrives. Sentry Window Guards hopes that you’ll consider these tips when driving this winter either at home or on a winter vacation!

Get Your Car Serviced

The quickest way to ruin a trip out to the burbs is to break down when it’s cold and snowy.  Try to avoid a potential breakdown by taking your vehicle to the mechanic and have any routine maintenance or tune-ups performed.  While there, ask the mechanic to look for the following potential problems:

  • Worn hoses, parts, leaks or anything that looks like it needs to be replaced.
  • Have your battery checked to verify that it still has sufficient voltage and test the tightness of the cable connections. It takes more power for your battery to work efficiently in the winter.  For hybrid and electric vehicles, your driving range is reduced in winter but work more efficiently once warmed up.
  • Ask your mechanic to look over your cooling system.

What You Can Do

  • To support the gasoline system in an electric vehicle, always keep it filled with fresh gas.
  • Fill your windshield washer reservoir with a “no-freeze” fluid.
  • Check your windshield wiper blades for wear and tear, replace them if necessary.
  • Check your cars heating system and defrosting system.
  • Take a good look at your tires, check them for wear.  Tires should have at least 1/16 of an inch of tread on them.  Also, check their inflation, when the temperature drops the air pressure in your tires drops. Put snow tires on your vehicle prior to the first storm if you plan to use them
  • Practice winter weather driving off of a main road.  It’s common to forget how to drive in ice and snow between seasons.

Be Prepared

While you can’t think of every possible scenario, follow these guidelines and keep your car stocked in the event you get stranded.

  • Carry a small snow shovel, ice scraper, and whisk broom.
  • Sand or kitty litter in case you get stuck in the snow.
  • Flashlight, flares, jumper cables.
  • Spare blankets, hats, and gloves
  • Food and water if you’re going on a longer trip.
  • Fluorescent tape

If You Become Stranded

  • Don’t panic.
  • Stay with your car, keeping your seatbelt and dome light on.
  • Place strips of your fluorescent tape on your outside antenna.
  • Don’t keep your car running, you risk asphyxia or carbon monoxide poisoning.
  • Periodically, remove the snow from your tailpipe and only run the car sparingly.

These tips should help keep your automobile in top shape and you safe this winter, and when you need to think about safety for your New York home, consider Sentry Window Guards to keep your family safe and secure. For more information regarding our window guard products and our experience and leadership in understanding New York City safety requirements, contact us today!

Filed Under: Uncategorized

National Preparedness Month – September

September 9, 2017 by

During the month of September, families, businesses, communities and governments across the United States focus on preparedness. Unfortunately we have already experienced devastating hurricanes in the U.S. this season. While we don’t know how much more Mother Nature can potentially serve us, we still must take action and prepare for future emergencies NOW. Here are 4 steps to help ensure you have a plan to help keep you and your family safe if a disaster strikes:

1. PLAN: Communication is key in preparedness. Make a family emergency communication plan that addresses how to reunite after an emergency if separated. Address the needs of elderly or special needs persons, young children and pets in your home. Be sure and communicate your plan with family and friends before disaster strikes. (Learn more about Emergency Communication Plans and download plan templates here.)

2. READY KIT: Be prepared with an emergency supply kit, aka “Ready Kit”. Each family, individual or business has different needs. Most of the items are inexpensive and easy to find, and any one of them could save your life. Don’t forget to consider any unique needs beyond the basics for elderly or special needs persons, young children and pets. (Download a ready kit checklist here.)

 3. UNDERSTAND YOUR INSURANCE POLICY: You can’t prevent disasters from happening, but you can protect your home and property from potential damages. Work with your insurance agent to make sure you have the best coverage possible for your needs and that you understand the policy.

4.  CONSIDER GETTING INVOLVED: When disaster strikes, every person counts. You could be the difference in someone’s life. If you already have a Ready Kit, considering creating one for a neighbor. You can also find volunteer opportunities in your community to help show others how to stay safe during a disaster.

At Sentry Window Guards we make it our mission to help keep families safe. While our business is to help prevent falls from windows, we also recognize the importance of disaster preparedness. For more information regarding our window guard products and our experience and leadership in understanding New York City safety requirements, contact us today!

 

Filed Under: Community Involvement, Safety Tips Tagged With:

New York City Department of Health: Install your Window Guards

August 24, 2017 by

We are always eager to spotlight the importance of window guards and this article highlights some great tips and insight into why New Yorkers should be conscious of window guard installation. Please contact us if you would like a free consultation.

Read the article here: NYC Department of Health: Install your Window Guards

Filed Under: Child Safety, Tips on Window Guards

Sentry Window Guards Sponsors 2017 Bronx Next Level Youth Basketball

July 25, 2017 by

We were proud to sponsor the Bronx Next Level Youth Basketball Camp!

Bronx Next Level Basketball 1 Bronx Next Level Basketball 2 Bronx Next Level Basketball 3 Bronx Next Level Basketball 4

Filed Under: Event Sponsorship Tagged With:

Client Testimonials – Sentry Window Guards

July 12, 2017 by

At Sentry Window Guards our ongoing commitment is protect the safety of families, especially children. Our life’s work is to continue to be the most reliable window guard manufacturer in the country. We’d like to thank our customers that have supported us over the years and share what they have to say about Sentry Window Guards!

“I could not be happier with my experience with Sentry window guards. Ed and Clarivel were very helpful throughout the entire process, answering all my questions and making sure I had all the knowledge and materials I needed to properly install the guards in my home. Personal service and a great price; highly recommended!” – John O., Brooklyn, NY

“Just a quick note of appreciation. Javier was fantastic yesterday, and the child guards and rubber stoppers look great and work perfectly. Thank you for a job well done.” – Tore K.

“Thanks very much for fitting us in today. The guys were very professional, efficient and a real pleasure.” – Christine W., Oliver’s Realty Group

“Ed, I wanted to let you know how much I appreciated how quickly and professionally you and your company completed the installation of the window guards. It took less than four hours from my first call to you for the job to be finished. Your installers were right on time, completely professional and a pleasure to work with. As a small landlord in NYC, I find this kind of service very, very rare and I wanted to thank you for the great service.” – Bruce C., New York, NY

“We are a US-Top 50 window and door manufacturer based in NYC. Every time a project requires window guards, we have enjoyed partnering with Ed for more than 10 years. The array of color options Ed offers in the Sentry window guard selection perfectly compliment the design elements of each project and we’ve had many satisfied clients. Ed is a veteran in the business, knowledgeable and reliable. His team has always been first class, on time and on-point. This is one relationship that we treasure.” – Steven Y., Crystal Window & Door Systems, LTD

“I live in an apartment building in Manhattan; management wouldn’t be of any help to supply us with guards for our apartment. I called Sentry and spoke to Ed and he walked me through it and within 3 days we had our window guards installed in black aluminum, which no one else carried. Love the guards and the service.” – Jillian L.

“I’m a local window contractor in NYC. When we have various projects that need window guards, we purchase all our guards from Sentry/ American Architectural windows. We’ve also have instances when we’ve needed a guard within an hour’s time and Sentry has provided that service on a regular basis. Our clients love the look of their guards, which is not an easy task because the clientele we service are high end and are used to the best in quality.” – Ross A.

“Without Sentry Window Guards, my insurance would be enormous. Thanks Sentry for helping me lower by bills and protect my family.” – Tom J.

 

For more information regarding our window guard products and our experience and leadership in understanding NYC safety requirements, contact us today!

 

Filed Under: Child Safety Tagged With: ,

Avoid These 4 Heat-Related Health Problems

June 18, 2017 by

As we officially welcome the summer season this week, we have already experienced temperatures in the 80’s. Health problems caused by too much heat can affect all ages, however children and the elderly are most vulnerable. In adults 50 and older, approximately 200 die each year due to heat-related problems. We know the temperatures will continue to rise, so we urge you to follow our 4 Tips To Keep You Cool and Safe This Summer.

It’s important to recognize when hot weather is making you or a family member sick, and when to seek help. Here are 4 health problems caused by too much heat exposure:

1. DEHYDRATION  

WHAT IT IS: A loss of water in your body. It can be serious if not treated.

WARNING SIGNS: Weakness, headache, muscle cramps, dizziness, confusion, and passing out.

WHAT TO DO: Call your healthcare provider or 911. Meanwhile, drink plenty of water and, if possible a “sports drink”, which contain important salts called “electrolytes.” Among other things, electrolytes play a key role in regulating your heartbeat. Your body loses electrolytes when you’re dehydrated.

2. HEAT STROKE

WHAT IT IS: A very dangerous rise in your body temperature. It can be deadly.

WARNING SIGNS: A body temperature of 103 or higher; red, hot, and dry skin; a fast pulse; headache; dizziness; nausea or vomiting; confusion; and passing out.

WHAT TO DO: Call 911 immediately. Move to a cool, shady place, take off or loosen heavy clothes. If possible, douse yourself with cool water, or put cloths soaked with cool water on your   wrists, ankles, armpits, and neck to lower your temperature. Try and see if you can safely swallow water or drinks such as Gatorade.

Note: If you are caring for someone else who has heat stroke, only give them water or drinks if they are awake and can swallow.

3. HEAT EXHAUSTION

WHAT IT IS: A serious health problem caused by too much heat and dehydration. If not   treated, it may lead to heat stroke (see above).

WARNING SIGNS: Heavy sweating or no sweating, muscle cramps, tiredness, weakness, paleness, cold or clammy skin, dizziness, headache, nausea or vomiting, fast and weak pulse, fainting.

WHAT TO DO: Without delay, move to a cool, shady place, and drink plenty of cool fluids, such as water or Gatorade. Call 911 without delay if you have high blood pressure or heart problems, or if you don’t feel better quickly after moving to the shade and drinking liquids.

4. HEAT SYNCOPE

WHAT IT IS: Fainting caused by high temperatures.

WARNING SIGNS: Dizziness or fainting.

WHAT TO DO: Lie down and put your feet up, and drink plenty of water and cool fluids   such as Gatorade.

If you know an older adult that lives alone, take a moment and check on them daily, you may save their life.

 

At Sentry Window Guards we make it our business to help keep families safe. Now that you know how to spot and treat heat-related health problems, our wish is for you to never experience one! For more information regarding our window guard products and our experience and leadership in understanding NYC safety requirements, contact us today!

 

 

 

 

Filed Under: Child Safety, Safety Tips, Uncategorized Tagged With: ,

Cockroach Infestations: Protect Your Home and Family

May 9, 2017 by

According to The National Pest Management Association (NPMA), best practices must be exercised when trying to keep cockroach hot spots pest-free. Proper sanitation and the elimination of moist areas in the home is key in this effort. Spring is the perfect time to be proactive by inspecting your home and practicing habits to avoid an infestation. Focus on these three areas for cockroach prevention:

1 – KITCHEN: We know kitchens can be the dirtiest room in the home. Ironically this should be the cleanest room because handling, cooking and serving food is at risk of bacteria if not cleaned properly. Clean up crumbs, spills and dirty dishes right away. Check for crumbs stuck in corners, around cabinets, under sinks and under appliances. Store food and pet food in airtight containers. Clean off counters, sinks, tables and floors thoroughly every day.

2 – BATHROOM: Cockroaches love bathrooms because they tend to be the moistest room in the home. Your best line of defense is to fix any leaky faucets and wipe up standing water around sinks, tubs and toilets. Don’t leave wet towels or bath mats on the ground. Hang to dry or wash immediately.

3 – BASEMENT: If you have a basement, thoroughly inspect it for any cracks or crevices that pests could use to enter the home. Repair immediately if found, to include worn weather-stripping around windows. Eliminate any clutter in the basement to eliminate potential hiding spaces for cockroaches. If you are living in an apartment and have a storage unit, you may want to confirm with your building manager that pest control prevention is being addressed.

Cockroaches aren’t just creepy pests; they pose significant threats to humans. Decomposing body parts, saliva and feces can trigger asthma symptoms and cause allergic reactions. And if that wasn’t scary enough, they can also spread 33 kinds of bacteria to include Salmonella and E. coli.

At Sentry Window Guards we make it our mission to help keep families safe. While our business is to help prevent falls from windows, we also recognize the importance of pest control and disease prevention. Be proactive now. Avoid potential infestations and keep you, your family and your home safe by contacting pest control professionals.

For more information regarding our window guard products and our experience and leadership in understanding NYC safety requirements, contact us today!

Filed Under: Safety Tips, Summer Home Tips Tagged With:

National Window Safety Week: April 2-8, 2017

April 4, 2017 by

With the arrival of spring, many homeowners are eager to open windows and let in the fresh air. Each year, the Window Safety Task Force of the National Safety Council takes the first full week in April to educate on the importance of practicing window safety year-round. National Window Safety Week is designed to increase awareness on helping to prevent accidental window falls and the proper use of windows for emergency escape purposes.

>>>Falls from a window can result in serious injury or death and pose an especially dangerous threat for children. Every year, about eight children under age five die each year from falling out a window, and more than 3,300 are injured seriously enough to go to the hospital.<<<

Here are 3 tips to help keep your home safer and prevent window fall accidents from occurring:

Tip #1 – Install window guards and stops. Properly installed window guards are your best defense in preventing window falls. Window stops are also a good idea to help allow you to enjoy a fresh breeze while ensuring windows won’t open wide enough to invite a fall.

Tip #2 – Open windows from the top and close after use. If you have windows that can open from top and bottom, choose opening the top versus the bottom to prevent falls. Don’t leave opened windows unattended if small children are present.

Tip #3 – Be sure windows are clear of chairs, cribs or other furniture being too close in proximity, especially if you have crawlers or climbers.

The Window Safety Task Force recommends the following items be a part of your fire emergency plan:

  • Make sure windows are not nailed or painted shut
  • Do not install air conditioners in windows that may be needed for escape
  • Make sure at least one window in each bedroom meets escape and rescue requirements
  • Window guards, security bars, grilles or grates render windows useless in an emergency unless they have a release mechanism; update them if necessary
  • Develop an emergency escape plan and practice it during the day and at night
  • Keep emergency escape ladders in second- or third-story bedrooms and teach everyone in the home how to use them

At Sentry Window Guards, our business is to keep children safe by preventing window fall accidents from occurring. Visit here for more tips from the National Safety Council regarding emergency plans and preventing window falls. And remember if you reside in New York City, homeowners MUST have window guards on their windows BY LAW if children 10 years or younger are living in the home. For more information regarding our window guard products and our experience and leadership in understanding NYC safety requirements, contact us today!

Filed Under: Child Safety, Falls From Windows Tagged With:

5 Tips to Help Prevent Window Cord Strangulation

March 1, 2017 by

According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, approximately one child a month dies as a result of window cord strangulation. “Window cord strangulations are one of the top hidden hazards in the home,” explains CPSC Chairman Inez Tenenbaum. “CPSC recommends that only cordless window coverings or those with inaccessible cords be used in homes with young children.” The Window Covering Safety Council encourages parents with infants and young children to follow these prevention tips:

  1. Make sure all furniture, especially cribs, beds and other climbable surfaces aren’t near windows.
  2. Keep all window cords out of reach from infants and young children.
  3. When possible, install only cordless window coverings.
  4. If cords are on window coverings, but sure they are as short as possible. Continuous-loop pull cords, often found on draperies and vertical blinds, should be taunt and anchored to the wall or the floor.
  5. Inspect cord stops for proper installation and adjust to limit inner-cord movement.

Keeping our children safe is a parent’s number one priority. We urge you to follow these 5 tips to help prevent window cord strangulation. If you are unable to replace your window coverings with the safer products on the market today, the Window Covering Safety Council offers free retrofit kits.

At Sentry Window Guards we make it our mission to help keep families safe. While our business is to help prevent falls from windows, we also recognize the importance of preventing window cord strangulation in infants and young children. For more information regarding our window guard products and our experience and leadership in understanding New York City safety requirements, contact us today!

Filed Under: Child Safety Tagged With:

Prevent Frozen Pipes With These 4 Tips

January 31, 2017 by

Having a busted frozen pipe in the middle of winter isn’t pleasant. Many don’t realize how much damage it can cause to a home. Here are 4 tips to take some preventative measures to help avoid a frozen pipe disaster this winter:

  1. FAUCETS: Let your faucets drip. The slow drip reduces the pressure in the water system. If a pipe freezes, it’s less likely to rupture when the pressure is lower. Especially focus on letting the faucet that is furthest away from the main pipeline drip because this line brings water into your house. More pipes will benefit from the main line being allowed to drip.
  1. OUTDOOR SPIGOTS: If you are in house, you should protect your outdoor spigots. Make sure all garden hoses are disconnected from outdoor spigots. Shut down the water supply to outside if possible and drain remaining water. Purchase inexpensive insulated domes to be placed around each spigot for optimum protection. If you are living in an apartment, you may want to confirm with your building manager that any outdoor spigots are protected.
  1. PIPES: Insulate pipes and exposed water supply lines. Look for pipes in unheated areas and those needing extra insulation such as in the basement, crawl space, attic, garage, and under cabinets. Again, if you are living in an apartment, check with your building manager.
  1. GARAGE: If you have a garage, close it! Keep water supply lines in the garage warmer by minimizing length of time the garage doors are open. Do the opposite with kitchen and bathroom cabinet doors. Leave them open to allow warmer air to circulate around the plumbing.

As the temperatures continue to drop, practice these 4 tips to help prevent frozen pipes and potential damage to your home. Even a small burst pipe can become costly. If you live in an apartment, check with your building manager to see what preventative measures they are taking to avoid a frozen pipe disaster.

At Sentry Window Guards we make it our mission to help keep families safe. While our business is to help prevent falls from windows, we also recognize the importance of avoiding a frozen pipe disaster this winter. For more information regarding our window guard products and our experience and leadership in understanding New York safety requirements, contact us today!

Filed Under: Safety Tips, Winter Home Tips
« Previous Page
Next Page »